The Mixtape Vol. 216
Ameen Harron is changing the game with Afropop beats and cool collabs
Cape Town-based Ameen Harron is changing the music-production game with his Afropop beats, malleable sound skills and award-winning collaborations. After developing an interest in turntables at the age of 12 and learning various instruments by himself, he sharpened his skills and learnt to dabble in various genres, creating his own unique sound. Over time, that sound propelled Ameen to fame and led to producing music for artists such as AKA and Kwesta, as well as winning a Gold Loerie award. He's currently working with other South African artists, namely Shekhinah, Nasty C, Sabrina Alves and Lakota Silva and recently launched his own label, The Cartel: African Music Aristocracy.
This week, Ameen's mixtape showcases a genre that he describes as "unrestricted". We also asked him a few questions about his sound story. Keep reading to discover more.
What first inspired you to make music?
The radio and the music my family exposed me to.
Who influenced you the most in doing what you're doing?
I have lots of influences. I believe there’s always something you can learn from others, regardless of their level of experience.
What was the first album you ever bought?
The soundtrack to Space Jam.
What can we expect from your upcoming album, #FunTheAlbum?
Fun music, unrestricted by genres. You can expect loads of new Cape Town-based artists, along with some heavyweights, but the intention is to bring focus on our artists. This album isn’t about me.
Who’s been your favourite artist to work with?
An unknown guitarist who I later discovered to be one of the most gifted vocalists to ever grace my studio. He goes by the alias A Life Of A Fly.
What song has been on repeat for you lately?
The tracks I’ve been engineering all weekend.
What's in the mix you made us?
Kash Don't Let Me Go
J Clu featuring Jordan Baker In My Head
Pluto x ITURNEDTOASTAR x Denimedic Dark Side Of The Moon
The Big Hash Circles
Skatta ft WNDR F**k Yo Plans
GreekGod featuring M'tunez-i and Salayi Hlanganisa
Deeps Handle
THEONLYAIDY Too Messy
LOOKATUPS Ufunani
The Stream LV
Gemini Major featuring Nasty C and Tellaman Right Now
LNLYBOY Rack$
Si Xiazi featuring Denimadic and Ka$h Senorita
Thembi Powers Thank You Lord
Truey Donatello Hail Selassie
Baby Face Dean featuring J Molley & Ricco For Keeps
Ex Power
Skatta featuring Kaien Cruz & Mayzin Hold You Down
Caleb Williams Who Are You
Jayd Ink So Many Ways
Randall James x Hailo Same Direction
Lord Kez WAE (When All Ends)
Jay Prince In The Morning
Max Hurrell Another Day
Be sure to keep up with Ameen on his social media pages: Twitter, Instagram and Soundcloud.